The Auburn Tigers finished 2024 with a 5-7 record, and while multiple factors contributed to the losing season, significant roster weaknesses were evident. Head coach Hugh Freeze, however, worked tirelessly to address these gaps, securing a top-10 recruiting class in December. When the transfer portal opened, Freeze and his staff quickly added 16 experienced players, helping Auburn land the No. 4 portal class in the country, according to 247 Sports.
The portal class is critical for Auburn’s 2025 campaign, not just in terms of quantity but also in addressing key areas such as quarterback and offensive tackle. Bleacher Report recognized Auburn as one of the portal’s biggest winners, alongside teams like Oregon, LSU, and Miami. The Tigers added quarterbacks Jackson Arnold and Ashton Daniels, both of whom had disappointing 2024 seasons at their previous schools but bring much-needed experience and potential.
In addition to quarterbacks, Auburn bolstered its roster with wide receivers Eric Singleton Jr. (Georgia Tech) and Horatio Fields (Wake Forest), offensive tackles Xavier Chaplin (Virginia Tech) and Mason Murphy (USC), and running back Durell Robinson (Connecticut), who showed promise as a freshman. The Tigers also strengthened their defense, which already boasts top talent, with edge-rusher Chris Murray (Sam Houston) and cornerback Raion Strader (Miami (OH)), both of whom were first-team all-conference selections in 2024.
Freeze has worked hard to rebuild the Auburn program, which had fallen to one of its lowest points under former head coach Bryan Harsin. Given the tough circumstances, Freeze has quickly proven himself as one of Auburn’s best recruiters in recent memory, and his efforts on the recruiting trail have paid off. He now has a more competitive roster, thanks to his impressive work in both the 2024 class and the transfer portal.
However, the success Freeze has achieved off the field will need to translate into results on the field in 2025. With the high expectations surrounding the talent he’s assembled, particularly at quarterback with Jackson Arnold, Freeze’s future at Auburn may depend on his ability to turn this influx of talent into a successful season.
